ABOUT US

Founded in 1980, Living Free was among the first privately funded, no-kill animal sanctuaries rescuing cats and dogs from imminent shelter euthanasia. We carry on that mission today, and are working to increase public awareness so that soon all shelters can become no-kill.
We believe every animal has a right to live with compassion and dignity, and we provide hope until they find their forever home.

OUR FOUNDER

Emily Jo Beard created a sanctuary where animals would be safely housed without being caged. It was designed to co-exist in harmony with the natural world surrounding it. Her compassion still inspires us, and each life saved is a tribute to her legacy. READ MORE

OUR HISTORY

The Cahuilla Indians first settled on our site, as evidenced by the many morteros and a ceremonial petroglyph. Since then, it has been a cattle ranch, a logging camp, a stagecoach stop, a mountain retreat and film location for the 1920's Hollywood elite. READ MORE

OUR MISSION

We rescue, rehabilitate and find permanent homes for healthy cats and dogs that were scheduled for shelter euthanasia. We're also developing education, outreach and awareness initiatives to help end the needless suffering once and for all. READ MORE

OUR TEAM

The heart of Living Free. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to rescue animals that would otherwise not survive, sometimes only being acknowledged with a quiet purr or a lick on the cheek. And sometimes, that's enough. MEET THE TEAM

ADOPT

When you adopt a companion animal, you’re saving two lives - the one you take home, and the one that can now fill the space your compassion created.

GALLERY

GIVE

We see Living Free as a diamond in the rough, with great potential to end even more needless suffering. With each act of kindness, you help bring us closer to making this dream a reality.

ADOPT

"Most people believe they adopt a cat or dog from Living Free to become part of their family. The way I see it, our animals adopt them, and they become part of the Living Free family." - Matt Worthington, Cattery Supervisor

DONATE

Albert Schweitzer said, "I have always held firmly to the belief that each of us can do a little to bring some portion of misery to an end." Here at the Sanctuary, we do what we can to bring love and joy to each animal each day.